(August 17, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - The game started with high energy from both teams, competing for a foothold in the game. Because of the frantic nature of the game ball possession was sacrificed by both teams with constant turn overs. In the 5th minute, Blinn scored from a turnover in midfield. A pass was misplaced in midfield and Blinn countered very quickly down the right with #30 running into space on the wing. An early cross behind the back line was finished off by #4 with a one touch finish. Blinn continued the pressure and had a great opportunity to score in the 10th minute with a free shot from 20 yards, but goalkeeper Josh Mitchell (Scotland) was more than a match for it tipping the ball over the cross bar. The first half settled down and became more of a slower paced possession game with each team trying to find gaps to take advantage of. Goalkeeper Mitchell was called into action a few times to pull off some good saves to keep us in the game. UARM did create a few half chances but the ball didn't quite fall for us which would lead to a clear opening.
Rich Mountain started the second half with a different line up and utilized a more direct playing style. The result enabled the Bucks to create more scoring chances, as Blinn was forced onto the back foot. Blinn weathered the storm and got back into the game which resulted in second goal in the 65th minute. A cross from the right was not cleared and the ball fell to #23 who volleyed home from 10 yards out. Rich Mountain never gave up and really took the game to Blinn putting more and more pressure on their defensive line. A goal resulted from this pressure in the 80th minute from a pin point cross on the left by Tristan Miller (Norman, AR) and Ebrima Jobe (Memphis, TN) headed home. The game was turning and Rich Mountain were giving everything to find that equalizing goal, but with so many players pushing forward Blinn was able to counter attack and get a corner kick in the 87th minute. A goal resulted from the corner kick as #4 headed home at the near post. With only three minutes to go, most teams would have thrown in the towel, but not the Bucks. In the last minute, a through pass resulted in Jobe being tripped in the penalty area by the goalkeeper. The resulting penalty kick by Mohamed Sadiki (Morocco) was saved by the goalkeeper but he was able to put away the rebound to make the final score 3-2.
Postgame, Coach Kevin Sherry stated, "This was a great team performance playing against a very good team who pushed us all the way. We fought to the end and learned some valuable lessons which we can take into future games." Stand out performers were Ebrima Jobe and Mohamed Sadiki in defense. Goalkeeper Josh Mitchell kept the Bucks in the game for the full 90 minutes and was the game's MVP.
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